This is a comprehensive and inspiring as heck guide on how to Elope in Seward, Alaska. From what time of year, to where to stay and what to do – this blog includes ALL the information you will need to elope in Seward!
On the southern coast of Alaska lies the town of Seward, nestled between the mountains and the sea. It’s an absolutely breathtaking place for any adventurous couple, whether you want to kayak alongside a frozen glacier, trek up a mountain peak, see a pod of orcas, sip some local coffee… there are endless adventures! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope in Seward, for those who’ve decided to ditch the conventional, tie the knot in nature, and make sure that the day you get married is nothing short of incredible.
The Best Time to Elope in Seward
Things to Do When You Elope in Seward
Places to Stay in Seward
Sample Seward Elopement Timeline
Seward Elopement Packages
Alaska is a truly wild place – with its dramatic weather, it’s important to decide when the best time to elope in Seward is for you!
Most people come to Seward in the summer, when the weather is warm(er), and you can hike and adventure around without having to trek through snow banks. Daytime temperatures hover in the 50s and low 60s, so it’s perfect weather for outdoor adventures! Summer also brings long days – with an average of 17 hours of sunlight each day, June through August is a great time to elope in Seward.
Because of the amazing weather, summer is the most popular time to visit, so crowds can be another consideration when you decide on an elopement date! Fall and spring are less busy, but the weather can be unpredictable – snow starts falling in October or November, and keeps falling until April. May can be a great time to elope, right before the busy summer season begins, but there may be some snow still sticking around in higher elevations. September, though it’s rainy, can be another good time to avoid crowds – just be prepared with waterproof gear!
Winter in Seward is cold, with lots of snow! But, if you’re ready to bundle up and want to enjoy the winter wonderland, it can be a really magical time for cross country skiing, ice skating, and more. Days are short, with an average of just 6 hours – but this means it’s an amazing time to spot the Northern Lights!
Every elopement is different – and your day should be uniquely personal, customized just for you. You can do absolutely anything when you elope, and Seward has so many adventures waiting. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to exchange vows, or planning something exciting after the ceremony, here are a few ideas for things to do when you elope in Seward!
For couples who love mountain peaks, a hike up Marathon Mountain on your elopement day might be the perfect way to tie the knot. The peak rises above Resurrection Bay, with sweeping views around you at the summit. The 4.5 mile long steep trail will take you through lush forests, next to a glacier valley, and along the mountain ridge.
Backpacks with the signs are a must!
Along Seward’s coastline, you’ll find stunning pebble beaches, with stones smoothed by the waves. You can have your ceremony on the shore, with views of mountains and glaciers behind you! Cruise ships and other fisherman will wave from the sea as you say your vows!
The views from the shore are gorgeous – but for some added adventure, when you elope in Seward, you can hop in a boat and explore the water. Take a cruise on Resurrection Bay to Fox Island, go whale watching and spot the majestic ocean life, or rent a kayak and explore glaciers and stunning views!
One of my all time favorite charters to work with is Millers Landing. Located just outside of downtown Seward, the own and operate a year round collection of outfitting and adventures. Hands down every time I have had the pleasure of working with them, the experience has been extraordinary!
Seward is a small town with lots of local gems – so spend some time trying out local restaurants, cafes, and breweries! Seward’s Cup is a great way to start your morning, Sweet Darlings is the place to go for a pastry, and Seward Brewing Company is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of adventures. In the summertime, be sure to get there early as busy times can mean long wait times!
Far and away one of the most iconic things to do in Alaska is take a helicopter ride over the ice fields. If you’re game for it, you also can add the option to land and explore the great Final Frontier on foot. Seward is the perfect adventure location for your elopement, and if you’re considering an aerial adventure then I can absolutely recommend some people.
To learn more about how to prepare for a helicopter elopement, check out this blog on what to expect!
During your elopement, you’ll need somewhere to sleep – and a place to return to after your adventures. Here are some options for places to stay when you elope in Seward!
If you want to stay close to restaurants and shops in town, there are lots of hotels and lodges by the water that make for a relaxing place to stay! The Harbor 360 Hotel has views of the harbor, and the Seward Adventure Lodge is a great hotel in downtown Seward, and a home base for tons of adventures.
For a more private option, Seward has some rustic cabins that allow you to be in nature while enjoying all the amenities you need! The Abode Well Cabins sit in acres of rainforest, while the Orca Island Cabins are remote and accessible only by boat, each one with a private deck and a kayak to explore the cove.
Airbnb is always a great place to look for lodging! In Seward you’ll find waterfront cottages, A frame cabins, unique tiny homes, and big chalets perfect for hosting some friends or family. Be sure to check before booking- some of these cabins in Alaska are dry! ( Meaning no indoor plumbing!)
Bring a hammock along to your elopement for a little hang time!
Part of my job as an elopement photographer is creating a custom timeline for each couple – so your day will be custom tailored just for you! To give you an idea of what your unique day can look like when you elope in Seward, here’s a sample timeline.
9:00 Breakfast and coffee with family at Coho Joe’s dockside cafe
11:00 Return to Airbnb
11:30 Hair and makeup begins
1:00 Put on elopement attire
1:30 First look outside the cabin
2:30 Drive to ceremony location
3:30 Ceremony on a pebble beach, surrounded by family
4:00 Family photos
4:30 Picnic on the beach
5:30 Family goes back to Airbnb, couple takes sunset photos
6:30 Drive to Seward Brewing Company for celebratory beer
7:30 Meet family at Airbnb for dinner and toasts
If you think nature’s pretty neat, you want your wedding day to be about you, and you want to plan a day that’s one of a kind and customized just for the two of you, my Seward elopement packages have everything you need!
As a photographer, my job is to tell your story – to make sure that when you look back on your photos, you can see the entire day unfold, and feel every moment all over again. As your guide to Alaska, I will help you through planning your elopement, adventure with you on the day of, being a fly on the wall when you need me to, helping you tie a tie or button up a dress or figure out the right way to pack a bouquet for a hike.
Ready for your adventure? Contact me!
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